Chapter 785
Chapter 785:
“Understood. I’ll compile everything we know and meet you at the orphanage.” With that, Prescott’s line went silent.
“Leah, how’s Stephen doing?” Janice asked.
A shadow flitted across Leah’s features before she replied carefully, “He’s had some close calls lately—several assassination attempts.”
Steel crept into Janice’s gaze at this revelation.
“But he’s unharmed. With Costello standing guard, those would-be assassins might as well be trying to catch smoke.”
Her words acted like a balm, easing the tension from Janice’s shoulders.
“Even without Costello’s vigilance, those assassins would find Stephen an impossible target. There’s another force at work, guarding him from the shadows.”
“It’s Wendy, isn’t it?”
“Yes!” Leah’s voice took on a granite edge, her brow creasing with concern. “Wendy is no ordinary adversary. While she parades as the lady of the Ramirez family, her true influence runs deeper than anyone suspects. And lately, she’s been orchestrating meetings between Stephen and various influential women…” Her words trailed off as she cast a cautious glance at Janice.
The temperature in the car seemed to drop several degrees under Janice’s frost-laden stare. “Go on,” she demanded.
“Don’t worry, Janice. These meetings have been strictly business affairs—just drinks and conversation. Nothing untoward has occurred,” Leah hastened to clarify.
Though Janice’s brow furrowed, she wasn’t shocked by this revelation. It aligned perfectly with Wendy’s pattern of behavior.
Wendy’s attachment to Stephen had long since crossed the line from protection into possession. She viewed him as her personal treasure, jealously guarding him from anyone who might leave even the faintest mark on his reputation.
It was crystal clear that these women held significant value in Wendy’s grand scheme, or she would never risk deploying Stephen’s natural charisma so strategically.
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Now that she was back, Janice was determined to resolve the issue with Wendy once and for all.
She would extract Stephen from this web of manipulation, no matter the cost.
At the orphanage, the children’s laughter echoed through the premises, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Despite the dilapidated state of the place, the children didn’t mind. For them, a hot meal, a sturdy roof, and clothes were blessings beyond measure.
More than anything, they had a kindhearted director and staff who truly cared.
“Janice!” Freddy was the first to spot Janice. His eyes lit up, and he dashed forward like an eager puppy.
“Freddy, it’s been a while!” Janice crouched to ruffle his hair, smiling. “You look taller!”
But instead of grinning, Freddy’s face scrunched into a pout. “Janice, can you stop me from growing up?”
“Huh?” Janice blinked, caught off guard.
“They say kids who get too big don’t get adopted. I don’t want to grow.”
Janice’s heart clenched. She pulled Freddy into a gentle hug. “Freddy, growing up is something no one can stop. But what really matters is living each day with joy and strength. Even if adoption doesn’t happen, you can still carve out your own future and stand tall in this world.”
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